Thousands of people are expected to line Tauranga’s waterfront when the Great Tauranga Duck Race annual fundraiser returns this Sunday.
Organised by the Tauranga Te Papa Rotary Club, thousands of bright yellow rubber ducklings will be released into the water at The Strand Waterfront 11am on April 19, to race toward the finish line near the tidal steps opposite the Hairy Maclary statues.
The event, now in its ninth year, has become a much-loved fixture on the city’s community calendar with crowds gathering to cheer on the floating competitors.
“We’re excited about the event, and the day will have a real buzz about it,” event organiser and Rotarian Alan Hitchcock said.
The day begins with the corporate duck races at 10.30am and 10.45am, where businesses compete with large, decorated ducks representing their companies.
This year organisers have introduced two corporate categories – motorised ducks and unpowered ducks – after an engineered entry from Page McCrae won last year.
“Last year’s corporate race winners had their team cheering their duck on, and this year we have been very buoyed by the keen support of local businesses,” Hitchcock said.
He said this year’s corporate race will be the biggest in the event’s history featuring “amazing” powered ducks navigating the course.
“Trimax Mowing Systems have two entries – one that was built from scratch by staff members in their own time using a 3D printer. It will be worth coming down to see it in action.”
Corporate ducks competing in a previous Great Tauranga Duck Race. Photo / George Novak
At 11am, 5000 numbered rubber ducklings will be released for the main race.
Each rubber duckling is linked to a $5 ticket, with prizes of $1000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third.
Hitchcock said the event continued to raise funds for the community. Local schools were selling many of the tickets as part of the fundraiser and keep 100% of the money from the “ducks” they sell.
Last year the race raised more than $37,000 for participating schools, the Life Education Trust and Tauranga Te Papa Rotary Club community projects.
“Local schools have used the funds they raised to build sunshades, purchase books, upgrade audiovisual equipment, and for school camps and gardens,” Hitchcock said.
“Rotary funds go towards Rotary youth programmes, international projects, women and children’s wellbeing and other community projects.”
Hitchcock said the event was designed to be a fun day out for the whole community while supporting local causes.
“We invite everyone, young and old, to come along and enjoy the morning.
“Harold the Giraffe from the Life Education Trust will be there along with a sausage sizzle and a coffee cart.”